Jonah Patel
The Constitution is a document that was written for ordinary people, yet there is a lack of knowledge about it among laypeople. During the People's Bicentennial, a group of radicals asked people coming out of supermarkets and parking lots questions about free speech, and every time, the answer was No. This was picked up by newspapers and circulated as opposition to the First Amendment and the entire Bill of Rights. However, it is more likely that people did not know enough about the Bill of Rights to form an opinion. There were also deep misgivings about the Constitution itself during its ratification in 1788, with some fearing that it would lead to the rich gaining more power. Nevertheless, the strongest support for the Constitution came from artisans, who marched in parades in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, with floats and slogans celebrating their trades.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lack of knowledge | A recent college graduate admitted to knowing nothing about the Constitution. |
| Misunderstanding | Some people don't understand the First Amendment and, by extension, the entire Bill of Rights. |
| Deep misgivings | Gouverneur Morris from New York warned against giving votes to people without property. |
| Support | During the ratification of the Constitution in 1788, artisans turned out in large numbers for parades in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. |
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What You'll Learn
The layperson's perspective on the US Constitution
The US Constitution is a document that was written for ordinary people, yet there seems to be a lack of knowledge about it among laypeople. This is ironic given its importance as one of the most significant features of democracy. The Constitution is made up of a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments, with the first 10 amendments known as the Bill of Rights.
When asked about the Constitution, many laypeople may respond with indifference or a lack of knowledge, as reflected in the response of a recent college graduate who stated, "I don't know anything about it." This indifference may be due to a lack of interest or awareness of the importance of the Constitution in governing their lives.
However, there are also instances where laypeople have strong opinions about the Constitution, even if they are not well-versed in its specifics. For example, during the People's Bicentennial, a group of radicals asked members of the public whether they thought people who wanted to violently overthrow the government should be able to say whatever they wanted at any time. The public's answer was "No," which the radicals interpreted as opposition to the First Amendment and the Bill of Rights. This example highlights how laypeople's perspectives on the Constitution can be shaped by their values and interpretations of specific rights and freedoms.
Additionally, there were deep misgivings about the Constitution among laypeople during its ratification. For example, Gouverneur Morris from New York warned about the potential for vote-selling to the rich, while Amos Singletary, a Massachusetts countryman, expressed concern that lawyers, men of learning, and moneyed men would manipulate the Constitution for their own power and gain. These perspectives highlight the diverse and sometimes conflicting views held by laypeople during the early days of the Constitution.
Despite these differing opinions, the ratification of the Constitution in 1788 was met with widespread celebration, with artisans, tradesmen, and craftsmen marching in parades and displaying floats and slogans that celebrated their respective trades and the unity of the federal states. This shows that, while laypeople may not always be well-versed in the intricacies of the Constitution, they recognize its significance and are proud of the principles it upholds.
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The People's Bicentennial
However, it is important to note that this may not reflect a true opposition to the Bill of Rights, but rather a lack of knowledge about it. This event highlights the gap in understanding that exists between the public and important democratic documents such as the Constitution.
The Bicentennial of the Constitution was initially planned as a three-year commemoration, with each year representing a different theme: "Framing the Constitution" in 1987, "Ratifying the Constitution: The People Consent" in 1988, and "Establishing a Government under the Constitution" in 1989. The celebrations were eventually extended to six years, ending in 1991 with the addition of the Bill of Rights to the Constitution. Over 1,000 Bicentennial programs took place across the nation during this period.
The Bicentennial celebrations included parades with artisans in the majority, each with floats and slogans. For example, the tallow chandlers boasted, "The Stars of America—A Light to the World." This reflected the strong support for the Constitution from artisans and tradesmen, which had also been evident during the ratification celebrations in 1788.
The We the People Bicentennial Celebration in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was addressed by President Ronald Reagan, who highlighted the unique nature of the American nation, where people from all over the world can become Americans. He also referred to the strength and inspiration that the founding fathers drew upon to overcome their divisions and create the Constitution.
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Public opinion and knowledge
The public's knowledge of the Constitution and their opinions on it are multifaceted and complex. While it is one of the most important features of democracy, there is a lack of knowledge about the layperson's perspective on the Constitution. This is partly due to a lack of updated research and public opinion data on the topic. However, some insights can be gleaned from historical events and celebrations.
During the People's Bicentennial, a group of radicals protesting the national celebration of the Declaration of Independence asked people coming out of supermarkets and parking lots questions about free speech and the right to violently overthrow the government. While the radicals interpreted the responses as opposition to the First Amendment and the Bill of Rights, it is more likely that the public's answers reflected a lack of understanding or a nuanced view of these rights.
Deep misgivings about the Constitution were also recorded, with concerns about the potential influence of the rich and powerful over the political process. However, there was also significant support for the Constitution, particularly among artisans, who made up a large proportion of the adult male population in cities. They celebrated the ratification of the Constitution in 1788 with parades and floats, showcasing their trades and expressing their support for a strong federal government.
The public's understanding of the Constitution and its rights has evolved over time, with some liberties such as free speech, a free press, freedom of religion, and the right to a jury trial added after the Civil War with the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. These amendments not only abolished slavery but also wrote the promise of freedom and equality into the Constitution, shaping public opinion and understanding of their rights.
While there may be a lack of updated research on the layperson's perspective on the Constitution, it is clear that public opinion and knowledge are nuanced and evolving. The Constitution is a governing document written for ordinary people, and their understanding of it, as well as their support for its principles, is essential to its functioning in a democracy.
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The First Amendment and the Bill of Rights
The Constitution of the United States is a governing document written for ordinary people. Unfortunately, many people today are unfamiliar with it, and there is a corresponding lack of knowledge about the layperson's perspective on it.
> "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
The First Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution. These amendments were proposed by the First Congress in 1789 and ratified in 1791. The Bill of Rights was influenced by documents such as the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the Magna Carta, and the English Bill of Rights.
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The Constitution and the Declaration of Independence
The Constitution of the United States, beginning with the words "We the People", is composed of the Preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. The Constitution defines the framework of the Federal Government of the United States. It establishes a more perfect Union, insures domestic Tranquility, provides for the common defence, promotes the general Welfare, and secures the Blessings of Liberty to the people and their Posterity. The Constitution also establishes legislative Powers, which are vested in a Congress consisting of a Senate and House of Representatives.
The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are fused together in the minds of Americans as they represent the best of America. They are symbols of the liberty and equality that are fundamental to the nation. The Declaration of Independence expresses the ideals on which the United States was founded and the reasons for separation from Great Britain. It made promises about fundamental liberties, which later became legally enforceable through the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
The Declaration's vision of equality was realised through the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution, which formally ended slavery, guaranteed equal protection under the law, and gave African-American men the right to vote. The Civil War played a pivotal role in this transformation, with Lincoln drawing on Jefferson's language in the Declaration to shape his Gettysburg Address.
Public understanding of the Constitution and its significance varies. While some individuals may lack knowledge about it, others may have strong opinions or interpretations. For example, during the People's Bicentennial, a group of radicals asked members of the public whether people who wanted to violently overthrow the government should have unrestricted free speech. The public's answer of "No" was interpreted as opposition to the First Amendment and the Bill of Rights. However, it may reflect a lack of understanding rather than actual disapproval.
The Constitution is a governing document written for ordinary people, and it has been celebrated with parades and marches by various trades and artisans. These celebrations highlight the importance of the Constitution in the minds of Americans and their desire to uphold the principles it embodies.
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Frequently asked questions
There seems to be a general lack of knowledge about the layperson's perspective on the US Constitution. A recent college graduate, when asked about the topic, admitted to knowing nothing about it. This may be due to a lack of interest in the topic, as one researcher noted that there is no updated information on public opinion regarding the Constitution.
The ratification of the Constitution in 1788 was met with celebration, as people turned out in large numbers for parades in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. Artisans, who made up a significant portion of the adult male population in cities, were the majority participants in these parades, marching alphabetically or by trade and displaying floats and slogans.
During the People's Bicentennial, a group of radicals protesting the national celebration of the Declaration of Independence's bicentennial asked supermarket patrons whether they thought people who wanted to violently overthrow the US government should have unlimited free speech. While the radicals interpreted the unanimous "no" responses as opposition to the First Amendment and the Bill of Rights, it is more likely that those surveyed did not know enough about the Bill of Rights to form an opinion.
There were deep misgivings about the Constitution among laypeople, with some fearing that giving votes to property-less people would lead to the rich buying their votes. However, artisans, who made up a significant portion of the urban population, strongly supported the Constitution, as evident in their participation in the ratification parades.
